What about live songs that are quite different to the studio versions like..
Hollow Years from Bukokan, or Space Dye Vest from Boston?
NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED.
Is there a list of all the songs somewhere that lazy people like me can build off of?
I'm game for this....Will be fun to do now that school is nearly done for the semester.
I will say though, that each top whatever list that I do is not set it stone. It's based on how I feel at that very moment when I do the list. So my top 100 list will be a culmination of those feelings I have for the songs in the moments of setting up the top 100. That is only for the songs that are below the top 10. The top 10 are set in stone basically, but some have fallen and risen with the release of newer albums.
Strictly originals or can covers be included? What about live only tracks such as Barfbag, Bombay Vindaloo and the Canadian Rap? :biggrin:
Is there a list of all the songs somewhere that lazy people like me can build off of?
I'll probably just use Wikipedia.
What the heck, I'll join.
Can we vote for NOMAC tracks?
Non-studio album tracks like A Change of Seasons, Raw Dog, Eve, the FII demo songs, etc., are all fair game.
I'm game for this....Will be fun to do now that school is nearly done for the semester.
I will say though, that each top whatever list that I do is not set it stone. It's based on how I feel at that very moment when I do the list. So my top 100 list will be a culmination of those feelings I have for the songs in the moments of setting up the top 100. That is only for the songs that are below the top 10. The top 10 are set in stone basically, but some have fallen and risen with the release of newer albums.
That sounds crazy.
I might make mine on a culmination of feelings I'll have for the songs in 20 years.
Non-studio album tracks like A Change of Seasons, Raw Dog, Eve, the FII demo songs, etc., are all fair game.
Here are all the songs, numbered in chronological order
Here are all the songs, numbered in chronological order
V, thank you. I can drop this into an excel spreadsheet and click and drag.
Updated to include non-album tracks. Let me know if I missed anything.You missed the live-only tracks they've done:
Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions. You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version). Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted. If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.
Better yet, what about the original Metropolis part II? :biggrin:Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions. You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version). Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted. If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.Ah, but what about "You OR Me"? ;)
The new album should be included.
-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED. I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them. My game, my rules. :)
I'll let Kev decide if he wants to allow Lost Without You to be included, since it is known mainly from Suspended Animation.
Great job indeed, but to clarify, there will be no differentiation between versions. You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version). Any list listing any song more than once like that will not be counted. If someone lists Burning My Soul, they can base their ranking off of the studio version or the demo, but one cannot list both versions in their top 100.
Ah, but what about "You OR Me"? ;)
Genuine question:
Do we have to list EXACTLY 100 songs? I love Dream Theater and I try to familiarize myself with their whole discography, but as it stands right now there are probably only about 85 DT songs that I know well enough to really decisively rank.
The new album should be included.
-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED. I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them. My game, my rules. :)
The new album should be included.
-This one is important: NO SONGS FROM A VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE WORLD MAY BE INCLUDED. I personally think the new car smell is still too powerful to include them. My game, my rules. :)
Are you saying we can't be objective? There's plenty of people that think the new car ..smells.
The new album should be included.
You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version).
You cannot list both You Not Me (studio version) and You Not Me (demo version).
I pray that this does not present a problem for anyone....
Nope, it is going forward as planned. If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise. :tup :tup
Nope, it is going forward as planned. If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise. :tup :tup
Along with not allowing the new album, can you disqualify the Astonishing also?
Nope, it is going forward as planned. If you do not like the rules, no one is forcing you to participate, and I would respectfully ask that anyone who disagrees not be a killjoy and piss all over this thread, as this is meant to be a fun exercise. :tup :tup
Along with not allowing the new album, can you disqualify the Astonishing also?
So, 'Burning My Soul' from the FII demos should be listed as coming from that offering?
And, what about 'Instrumedley' from 'Live at Budokan'?
What format do you desire?
I am going to try and participate, though life is what happens when you are busy making plans.....
So, 'Burning My Soul' from the FII demos should be listed as coming from that offering?
And, what about 'Instrumedley' from 'Live at Budokan'?
What format do you desire?
The process from here is not too hard. I just quickly scroll through and look at the top ranked song on each album and then ask myself which one I like best. That one gets moved up to the top of the list. First time through, that song is #1. Then I go through and look at which remaining songs are top of each album, and ask which of those I like best. That is #2. And so on. That seems to be the most efficient for how my mind works. Hope that helps for anyone who is thinking about doing this.
Then, within each album, I ranked them. For instance, just within Images and Words, I rearranged them to rank them 1-8. Did that for each album. Once I did that, I autonumbered the entire list. I am currently at 144 songs. The process from here is not too hard. I just quickly scroll through and look at the top ranked song on each album and then ask myself which one I like best. That one gets moved up to the top of the list.That's a great idea. If I were going to do this, I would take this advice.
Just looked at the revised list ('thank you') and heard the 'Gladiator Theme' for the first time. Nice <understatement>
Made me realize that the covers from BC&SL were not listed. The Queen medley has a soft spot in my heart, so I'd like to add that track to my list, as well as 'Odyssey' and 'To Tame A Land'.
And then there's 'Xanadu'.
I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.
I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.
Same. I agree with Kev that it's too early to include them in a ranking. I wouldn't possibly be able to accurately rank them within a top 100. But that said, I am fairly confident that at least a majority of them (if not all) would make the top 100 list. In fact, looking at my list, I would rank them all above my bottom 7.
I have started to listen to several records where I wasn't sure of my order for each. For a while now, I have mostly been listening to Epics, live music, DoT and View. .....But I was reminded of something....There is no bad Dream Theater. I thoroughly enjoyed songs I wouldnt have chosen to listen to, and I think 6 Degrees just became my number 3. What fun!
I will say though, the list will vastly change with the inclusion of A View from the Top songs.
Same. I agree with Kev that it's too early to include them in a ranking. I wouldn't possibly be able to accurately rank them within a top 100. But that said, I am fairly confident that at least a majority of them (if not all) would make the top 100 list. In fact, looking at my list, I would rank them all above my bottom 7.
I know I’m late to the party, but this actually sounds like a lot of fun. I am in. I will start compiling it today.
Does it have to be 100? Or can I send you a top 50 as well and you just don't count those?
I will join, sounds fun!
I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.
Can't do it without separating SDOIT songs >:(, and including new album. BUT, looking forward to seeing people's picks.You can do it. Just gauge your overall rating of the entire song (remember, it's a song, not songs) and place it within the overall song listing. That's what I did. Of course, in comparison to the majority of the rest of their catalog, it didn't make the cut, but I digress.
Rather than post my Top 100 list here, I'd want to do one of those "Top 50 Dream Theater songs" threads like people used to do a few years back. Maybe I'd even go a little higher than 50. I'd have to do all the writeups, but if that's something we can still do here, I'd be very interested in making one of those threads.
Seven more days to allow the new album.
10 entrees so far!I'm gonna do my best to get one in.
Eight more days for anyone to submit a list. :tup :tup
Other than Nomac tracks that I cut out of The Astonishing, here is the breakdown of how many did NOT make the cut from each album:Reading through this thread again, I saw this post from Bosk and decided to figure out the balance from my list, too. It ended up as
BTW, Bosk in your post you listed non-album tracks as just 1 that didn't make the cut - did you really mean that you only picked 1 non-album track, or did you actually include 24 of the 25 in your list? methinks you probably only picked 1.
One of the things I discovered in putting this list together was how much I enjoyed some of the individual pieces from the astonishing more than I remember.
I’ve always had trouble digesting the massive scope of the astonishing and by the end of 100 minutes it’s all starting to sound a bit blended and same-y.
But when I was going through the ranking engine, I had my music playing program up in another window and I would be constantly referring back to certain tracks thinking, “which one was that again?” and subsequently thinking, “Wow! That’s a lot cooler than I remember.”
I’ve probably gone back-and-forth on the astonishing more than any other album in their catalog. When it first came out I absolutely loved the bravado of the project. But then it didn’t age well because I didn’t think that the individual pieces felt incomplete. But now that I’m getting more familiar with the individual pieces and seeing how they fit into the bigger picture (no pun intended) i’m getting a new appreciation for it again. Still think it’s a lower tier album though
One of the things I discovered in putting this list together was how much I enjoyed some of the individual pieces from the astonishing more than I remember.
I’ve always had trouble digesting the massive scope of the astonishing and by the end of 100 minutes it’s all starting to sound a bit blended and same-y.
But when I was going through the ranking engine, I had my music playing program up in another window and I would be constantly referring back to certain tracks thinking, “which one was that again?” and subsequently thinking, “Wow! That’s a lot cooler than I remember.”
I’ve probably gone back-and-forth on the astonishing more than any other album in their catalog. When it first came out I absolutely loved the bravado of the project. But then it didn’t age well because I didn’t think that the individual pieces felt incomplete. But now that I’m getting more familiar with the individual pieces and seeing how they fit into the bigger picture (no pun intended) i’m getting a new appreciation for it again. Still think it’s a lower tier album though
I had a very similar experience. I went back through The Astonishing because it's the only Dream Theater album that I can't rank off the top of my head, in part because it has some many songs, but also because the songs really do combine into a unified whole more than on any other album. My view going into it had been that I probably wouldn't have many TA songs high on my list because they're weaker individually, so I was surprised by how many I just found to be really good songs on their own.
I've been in what seems to be an unusual camp: Neither a hater nor a lover of The Astonishing. I've also gone back and forth on it, liking aspects of it while disliking others. I think going back through it with the mindset of trying to find my favorite individual pieces has finally turned me into an Astonishing fan. It's never going to be among my favorite DT albums, but I definitely have a very positive view of it now.
I also arrived at the conclusion that the story is better than people typically give it credit for being. It has its problems, but it features a cast of characters who grapple with important choices in a dramatic way, and it brings all the storylines together into a climactic scene. It's also pretty clear what's happening the whole time, which is more than can be said for many rock operas. I'd give it around a B+ as concept album storylines go.
I will join, sounds fun!
I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.
WOW! This is amazing, thank you!
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.
You've listened through all 100 songs?
Just a reminder that anyone who wants to submit a list has till the end of the weekend!! Gotta bunch already and welcome more. :hat :hat
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.
You've listened through all 100 songs?
Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.
You've listened through all 100 songs?
Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.
You must have a lot of free time.
Almost done with finalizing my list. About halfway there with listening to make sure the songs are sitting at the right ranking. Some spots were hard and some songs really shifted across from the bottom half to the top and then to the middle. But what I have so far seems to be fine with me.
You've listened through all 100 songs?
Yes...I really didn't have to, but I felt like giving them a listen cause why not. And I will say, it's a good thing I did because it affected the songs placements, drastically for some songs.
You must have a lot of free time.
More like I had more opportunities to listen to music.
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.I can get the dislike for PoW, but your hatred for OoR baffles me.
I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.
Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos. :angel:
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.I can get the dislike for PoW, but your hatred for OoR baffles me.
I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.
Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos. :angel:
PoW is awesome!Timmy, I know Power Windows is awesome, but we're talking about Prophets of War. :biggrin:
Does ‘by the 26th’ mean I can still send it tomorrow, or do you need to have it before tomorrow?
When exactly are submissions due?
By end of today tomorrow.
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.
I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.
Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos. :angel:
Just submitted mine. My top 10 changed very little.
I will say this. All three tries, the bottom two were always the same.
Out of Reach and Prophets of War beat everything to the bottom. Even the Majesty demos. :angel:
Both made my 100.
The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!
The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!
Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc. Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on. :)
The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!
Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc. Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on. :)
I keep coming back to this thread 'cause I am so curious were it would go. By Christmas '22 a View would be counted in and I probably shall give it a ferm shot. But 'till then I am looking forward to see the top 100 of you'll...
I keep coming back to this thread 'cause I am so curious were it would go. By Christmas '22 a View would be counted in and I probably shall give it a ferm shot. But 'till then I am looking forward to see the top 100 of you'll...
I counted it in my countdown. I'm pretty confident in its standings. And I also broke up 6 D's. But since Kev won't allow them, I'll back them out and add in the ones that actually missed out on the list.
The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!
Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc. Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on. :)
Now that sounds intriguing...
Did anyone else not use the ranker thing? I literally just went through and listed songs 1-100. Not much got altered on the way through either.
I think I can safely say that the album that benefited the most from a re-listen was TA. But the song that benefited the most was TMOLS. I generally think that SC is pretty terrible, so I almost never spin it. But when pitting “song vs. song” I had to go back and re-listen to things I hadn’t heard in ages. And I actually really enjoyed TMOLS quite a bit! So it shot up in my ranking a lot.
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.
I think I can safely say that the album that benefited the most from a re-listen was TA. But the song that benefited the most was TMOLS.
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.
People praise it for being experimental, but many of the experiments do not work, IMO.
The “reveal party” afterwards is going to be so much fun!!
Just to touch on this a little, once I start the countdown, as I list each song, I do plan to list how many top 100s it made, who ranked it the highest and where, top 10 finishes, etc. Just fun little facts like that should make it a bit more interesting hopefully, rather than just listing the song and moving on. :)
I used the ranking engine, and that worked pretty well except it somehow spit out Lines in the Sand at like 30 something. I ended up ranking it number 2. I think I just had a brain fart and picked something else over it by mistake at some point. I feel pretty certain about my top 10 being the top 10, but I'm not sure I'd give you the same order if you asked me again next week. Could probably say the same for the next 15 songs or so.
Also, I bet I'm the only person with The Way It Used to Be in their top 10, but it's one of the DT songs I listen to most often these days, really.
Disappear and Ravenskill are great tunes.
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.
A Life Left Behind is also my favorite TA song, it turns out, which is interesting because I couldn't have told you what anything but the chorus sounded like before going through it for this thread.
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?Nope. I've got 3! :omg:
A Life Left Behind is also my favorite TA song, it turns out, which is interesting because I couldn't have told you what anything but the chorus sounded like before going through it for this thread.
But WHAT A CHORUS!!! :metal
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?Nope. I've got 3! :omg:
Curious if I’m the only one who has a Majesty demo in their top 100?Nope. I've got 3! :omg:
I have Another Won, but that's based on the Score version.
I personally feel that the 6D's album is brutally overrated.
I've been singing this tune for years. It's a good album, but it's definitely bottom half of their discography. People praise it for being experimental, but many of the experiments do not work, IMO. I included a lot of the songs, but the majority of them are in the bottom of half of my list.
I just finalized and submitted my list, hopefully right under the wire. Doing some album-count stats seems interesting, so I'll toss mine out there:
WDADU: 5 (out of 8)
IAW: 8 (out of 8)
Awake: 10 (out of 11)
FII: 6 (out of 11)
SFAM: 10 (out of 12)
SDOIT: 5 (out of 6)
ToT: 6 (out of 7)
8VM: 5 (out of 8)
SC: 4 (out of 7)
BC&SL: 4 (out of 6)
ADTOE: 8 (out of 9)
DT12: 5 (out of 9)
TA: 16 (out of 29 non-NOMAC)
DOT: 4 (out of 9)
Non-album: 4
Ranking these by percentages is interesting. It approximately matches up with how I'd rank the albums in consistency, as you'd expect, while overrating some albums (SDOIT) and underrating others (FII) in terms of how I'd rank them in overall preference:
1. IAW: 100%
2. Awake: 91%
3. ADTOE: 89%
4. ToT: 86%
5. SFAM: 83%
5. SDOIT: 83%
7. BC&SL: 67%
8. WDADU: 63%
8. 8VM: 63%
10. SC: 57%
11. DT12: 56%
12. TA: 55%
13. FII: 55%
14. DOT: 44%
I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.
MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.
I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.
MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.
I will say the lyrics are not the main reason I dislike the song. The dreadful noises Muse make are the main reason I dislike the song.
See, I'm the opposite. I liked everything Muse did up until The Resistance. Everything after that was boring to me.I’m with the crowd that totally agreed with MP when he wrote that song. I was just so over the moon with everything DT had done since SFAM, and couldn’t believe the amount of criticism that was leveled at Mike every time he tried to do something that was a really special gift for the fans.
MP is in no way perfect, and I’m not blind to his flaws, but I definitely shared his frustration when he released that song. He needed to vent, and he did. The people who should have taken the “if you can’t say something nice” road were the ones whining about the wonderful extras they were getting that almost no other band was doing.
I will say the lyrics are not the main reason I dislike the song. The dreadful noises Muse make are the main reason I dislike the song.
Fair enough.
Oddly enough, I have trouble getting into Muse’s older material…but fell in love with Drones which I guess most Muse fans consider to be just OK. Go figure.
Neither song made the top 100 for me. I don't care for the music of NE. I think the story of the song is interesting, though. I wasn't into DT yet back then, so I don't have any emotion tied to it.
I really dig TA, but I simply liked other songs more than The X Factor.
'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees. ;) First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes: I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet. My first 'new' purchase. Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor. The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:
'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees. ;) First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes: I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet. My first 'new' purchase. Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor. The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:
Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)
I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.
'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees. ;) First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes: I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet. My first 'new' purchase. Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor. The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:
Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)
I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.
Why would you be upset that a band paid tribute to a band you like? That doesn't make sense. Do you get mad at people who pay you compliments?
I did become aware of 'Stockholm Syndrome' a few years later when I found the former DT and MP sites. It is certainly a homage in various spots, and credit or 'inspiration' certainly should have been listed. Zeppelin was certainly guilty of that (corrected decades later). And various other tunes, so I get and understand all that.
At least it wasn't as blatant throughout and disputed like 'Ice Ice Baby' :D :censored :D >:( ;D
'Never Enough' wouldn't be in my Top Ten if allowed to break down Six Degrees. ;) First, to 425, we're all in 'discussion mode', so here goes: I'd become a fan in 2003, and still hadn't heard FII, ACOS, SFAM or ToT yet. My first 'new' purchase. Not familiar with Muse, so that wasn't a factor. The lyrics...could have applied to my old man, former friends and acquaintances, and certainly various ex employers, coworkers, and bosses (being held over 2-8 hours, or not being able to do three things at once, or in the last ten minutes, or doing exactly what I was told to do, and doing it correctly, but what they meant was... etc etc etc.). Or one could run the fastest 100 yard dash, but there's that person who would complain that I started with my left foot instead of my right. :loser:
Well, Never Enough is a clear tribute to "Stockholm Syndrome" by Muse.
It's certainly not a rip-off, but the inspiration is clear (in the riff, verses and also in the solo) and Dream Theater has always been quite transparent about it
See also the Wiki page- media section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_Syndrome_(Muse_song)
I really loved Muse at the time, so I was quite "upset" with Dream Theater for this...but otherwise is not a bad song at all.
Why would you be upset that a band paid tribute to a band you like? That doesn't make sense. Do you get mad at people who pay you compliments?
Well, it's not exactly like that...on the booklet you don't see "credits" for Muse if I'm not wrong, and many Dream Theater fans are still not aware of where that song comes from...
Neither song made the top 100 for me. I don't care for the music of NE. I think the story of the song is interesting, though. I wasn't into DT yet back then, so I don't have any emotion tied to it.
I really dig TA, but I simply liked other songs more than The X Factor.
Always nice to see a subtle Iron Maiden mention. :metal
A Savior in the Square at #70, Our New World at #120 in mine
I'll shorten my replies from here on in.
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.
Just crunching the numbers that seems almost difficult.
I put zero Astonishing songs in my 100.
And I briefly considered disqualifying your list from the ranking as a result. :P :biggrin:
Surprisingly, Savior In The Square and Our New World did not make my 100 list. I can not break up SITS and WYTHC as I consider both one continuous scene. I see Gabriel sliding his guitar on his back to the front, as soon as he does he sees Faythe and mutters "An angel just appeared before my eyes" then he starts playing his song. Our New World is just okay for me, It does it's job though in addressing how the characters are now going to be living in their new world, which is like the happy/uplifting moment of the story before the end credits/summary song begins to play.
I also realized that I somehow missed adding in Stream Of Consciousness onto my rankings. Ooops...Guess I just wasn't feeling it at the time... :lol
Surprisingly, Savior In The Square and Our New World did not make my 100 list. I can not break up SITS and WYTHC as I consider both one continuous scene. I see Gabriel sliding his guitar on his back to the front, as soon as he does he sees Faythe and mutters "An angel just appeared before my eyes" then he starts playing his song. Our New World is just okay for me, It does it's job though in addressing how the characters are now going to be living in their new world, which is like the happy/uplifting moment of the story before the end credits/summary song begins to play.
I also realized that I somehow missed adding in Stream Of Consciousness onto my rankings. Ooops...Guess I just wasn't feeling it at the time... :lol
I know what you mean. Had those been a single song, I would likely rank it/them quite a bit higher, but broken up, it is difficult. Same goes for Overture 1928 and Strange Deja Vu, which feels like one song that got broken up into two tracks.
I enjoy Overture 1928 enough to list it, and it ranks nicely next to Strange Deja Vu.
96 Afterlife
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)
I was happy to see this one make it. This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.
Kev, is there a way to post the all the rankings revealed so far, maybe when you hit each 10 as a recap; so for example when you get to #91, post #100-#91?
96 AfterlifeThat's kind of weird, since there aren't 5 good songs on the debut.
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)
I was happy to see this one make it. This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.
91 To Live Forever (Not Rated)
I don't get it, I have never gotten it, and I don't think I ever will..
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.
96 AfterlifeThat's kind of weird, since there aren't 5 good songs on the debut.
Appeared on 14 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 26 (Dream Team, wolfking)
I was happy to see this one make it. This is the first of five songs from the debut to make the list.
I’ve listened to To Live Forever like 6 or 7 times today. It’s really great.
Which version out of curiosity? It’s almost weird how this particular song has so many quite different official releases. The 91 & 93 studio versions, and then the extended live jam from LIT, and then the OIALT video version (which I believe is on the fan club cd as well)
91. To Live Forever (#56 as an earlier poster). Nice addition to ‘Hit’. Inserted after ‘Lie’ on my ‘Awake’ version. Clever twists in the lyrics.
Because of this thread, I heard the Tokyo and 5 Years versions for the first time today! Heap on all the accolades for this tune and the early years. ‘Spacy’ middle, driving ending (a shame it doesn’t have a proper finish)…but what an unexpected treat all these years later. :tup
91 To Live Forever (Not Rated)
I don't get it, I have never gotten it, and I don't think I ever will..
Seconded
95. Forsaken: NR. Good placement on the LP, but lyrics about vampires don’t do much for me (unless it’s Alice Cooper😉) It just didn’t age well for me on a very dark album. I hear hints of it later on in ‘Paralyzed’.
I have not listened to To Live Forever before, and as such I don't have anything to say about it.
@Kevshmev, when this is done could you make an album ranking based off your stats? Like, from the number of songs on each, and how high they ranked? I don’t think I have the patience to do it.
As we get further into the list, I’m starting to wonder if the most overhated DT song is going to make the cut: Raw Dog, which I have at 55 on my list :corn
What song was #162? :biggrin:
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:
-97 of the 100 songs come from the 14 eligible studio albums
-of the 3 songs not from those studio albums, we have already seen one at 91 (To Live Forever)
-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured
-three songs will not finish in the top 50 despite being the number 1 song on someone's list (no spoilers if you think yours is one of them, please)
-of the 3 songs not from those studio albums, we have already seen one at 91 (To Live Forever)
-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:My bets (edited):
-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:My bets:
-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured
I&W, Scenes, 6Degrees and ADTOE;
Awake and TA
-three songs will not finish in the top 50 despite being the number 1 song on someone's list (no spoilers if you think yours is one of them, please)
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope
Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope
Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal
Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.
I&W and Awake were my two favorite albums by any band when FII was released. And man, about half way through New Millennium, I was afraid this album was going to be the letdown it ultimately was.I was similar to this. However, New Millennium was not the disappointment for me. It was certainly different, but I expected a little different.
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope
Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal
Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.
:lol
What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's :metal
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope
Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal
Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.
:lol
What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's :metal
Now I know why my brain hurts when I partake in your Roulettes. :lol
New Millenium-Nope
Vacant-Nope
A Life Left Behind-Nope
Raw Dog-#80!!!!!! :metal :metal
Jeez, you weren't kidding when you said you've been sick.
:lol
What does everyone have against Raw Dog? I think it's :metal
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.
Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.
Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.
Underrated comment. :lol
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.
Raw Dog begins extremely obnoxious, which is why I hadn’t heard it in a long time. But I gave it a re-listen for this experiment, and once you get past that horrible intro, the rest of it is actually pretty cool.
Isn't the intro and outro really a nod to King Crimson? I mean, sure, that may explain why it'd be awful, but I don't really mind it. But everything in between is aces.
Underrated comment. :lol
That's a keen eye! :lol
Some fun facts to chew on about the top 100:
-four studio albums have every song from it in the top 100
-the two albums tied for the 2nd most songs in the top 100 are not among the four that have every song featured
87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)
I was the highest on this one and stand by it. Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.
The last track from TA has to be A New Beginning!! :metal
Maybe this 10 track selection from TA can make some people apreciate a bit more something from the album.
87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)
I was the highest on this one and stand by it. Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.
Love that song. I'll repeat a short story about it: After one of my listens on my bike ride home from the office (about 23 miles), I either texted or emailed JP (I forget which) and feigned half-serious anger/frustration at how one of the tastiest riffs he has ever composed disappears after four bars, never to be seen again. He basically laughed and said he'll have to keep that in mind and build a song around it for The Astonishing II. :lol
87 Ravenskill
Appeared on 19 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 23 (KevShmev)
I was the highest on this one and stand by it. Killer song, one that I feel gets lost in the shuffle for a lot of fans because of how many songs there on that record.
Love that song. I'll repeat a short story about it: After one of my listens on my bike ride home from the office (about 23 miles), I either texted or emailed JP (I forget which) and feigned half-serious anger/frustration at how one of the tastiest riffs he has ever composed disappears after four bars, never to be seen again. He basically laughed and said he'll have to keep that in mind and build a song around it for The Astonishing II. :lol
The last track from TA has to be A New Beginning!! :metal
80 The Silent Man
Appeared on 16 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 22 (HOF)
People using "criminally" so often is becoming... well, criminal. :)
Honor Thy Father has some small flaws that I could overlook easier if some of the vocal sections weren't horrible. This and This Dying Soul, why the heck did they make James sing like that?
Constant Motion is awful. That was the first single from SC right? I heard that, and was highly disappointed, I thought my love for this band left the harbor.
I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?
I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?
Not to mention that "forevermore into the night blistering" is still the most embarrassing DT moment ever.
I on the other hand don't have a problem with them asking James to approach certain lyrics or songs more in the style of this singer or that. After all, the rest of the band does that all the time with their respective instruments (even after MP left). Why should the vocals be any different, especially since they don't usually put a lot of filters or effects on his vocals like they do with the other instruments?
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.
Okay, but: WHY? What is it about that part that is supposedly worthy of cringing in embarrassment. To me, that is the most illogical reaction one could have to a piece of work from an artist who feels they have put out a quality piece of work that they are proud of (unless there is something intrinsically embarrassing about it, such as an obvious error the band regrets, or the content being wildly inappropriate, or something along those lines), which is the case here. So I legitimately don't get it and was (and am still) asking for an explanation.
If I opened up my musical dictionary, that "Forevermore..." line would be the first definition listed under "Cringe Worthy." Yet I love "Dark Master Within..." which I know many people here have under their definition of "Cringe Worthy."
I wonder what the biggest discrepancy is between where a song landed on the compiled l list and where it slotted on an individual's list. For instance, is there a song in the overall Top 10 that someone left off their Top 100?
Tip of the cap to jammindude for the Pee-Chee reference.
Just giving a +1 to Kev’s take on the “forevermore into the night blistering part” as being the first time in DT history up to that point that I actively cringed in embarrassment for them.
Okay, but: WHY? What is it about that part that is supposedly worthy of cringing in embarrassment. To me, that is the most illogical reaction one could have to a piece of work from an artist who feels they have put out a quality piece of work that they are proud of (unless there is something intrinsically embarrassing about it, such as an obvious error the band regrets, or the content being wildly inappropriate, or something along those lines), which is the case here. So I legitimately don't get it and was (and am still) asking for an explanation.
Put simply (and I think others share this) it sounds exceptionally juvenile. Literally like something I would have scrawled on my Pee-Chee when I was twelve while thinking how “bad ass” it sounded.
Trust me…I wrote some real doozies in middle school that I look at now and go “eeesh…really? I wrote that?” And it instantly reminded me of that. In fact, I want to say that I did write something extremely similar when I was 12 and then found it when I was 20 and couldn’t figure out whether to laugh or vomit,
I wonder what the biggest discrepancy is between where a song landed on the compiled l list and where it slotted on an individual's list. For instance, is there a song in the overall Top 10 that someone left off their Top 100?
I generally try to avoid listening to singles or any pre-release bits, snippets and whatnot. But after MP left, I just had to listen to the OtBoA when it was released; I had to know everything was going to be ok. And a couple minutes in to it, I knew it would be. Still a middle of the pack song, but the right song in the right place at the right time.
So was TBOT the first song we’ve had so far that made someone’s top 10?
I’m trying! But Antonio Brown just showed up on my front lawn. It’s distracting and I don’t know what to do.
:rollinI’m trying! But Antonio Brown just showed up on my front lawn. It’s distracting and I don’t know what to do.
He might need a shirt.
The ‘ohhhhhh, when everything is wrong, ohhhhhh when helplessness surrounds you, ohhh…..” segment is one of their best LV/BV combined moments.
I will probably start off by listing 2-4 a day, give or take, and see how that pace works as far as discussion and whatnot goes.
Away we go...
100 The X Aspect
Appeared on 15 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 18 (TAC)
Very nice song. And how can you not like a song that features bagpipes?? :)
Chris? You sang this to your kid? This is such a sad song!
Chris? You sang this to your kid? This is such a sad song!
She was like 5 months old, she didn't know what the heck I was saying, and I just wanted to get her to sleep!! :)
Really interesting thread to follow, thanks Kev.
People have mentioned a ranking engine on a few occasions but I've not been able to find a link to it from an admittedly quick look. Could someone point me in the right direction, please?
I will join, sounds fun!
I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.
Really interesting thread to follow, thanks Kev.
People have mentioned a ranking engine on a few occasions but I've not been able to find a link to it from an admittedly quick look. Could someone point me in the right direction, please?
Yes, here you go:I will join, sounds fun!
I think an easy way to do this is to copy and paste the list of songs earlier in the thread into this website (https://rankingengine.pubmeeple.com/). Just click “Music” as your category, paste the full list of songs in one shot, and it will separate them all into individual choices. Then it randomly puts 2 songs at a time for you to choose from and will automatically rank them for you based on your responses.
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?
I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?
I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?
Voices is about what a person with schizophrenia experiences in their mind, and also the effect it has on others. Because of this, the person remains silent in order to avoid further confrontation. This persons delusions relate to Christianity as it's their religion and they are relating their life with these biblical personas and their own beliefs. Him exerting his beliefs as if he is a Messiah is causing a disconnect with the people, so he decides to remain "a voice never heard" to avoid upsetting the congregation, even though the person truly believes what he hears from these Biblical figures in his own mind.
I've seen a couple people reference the lyrics in The Silent Man as if they are connected to Voices or have some other deeper meaning. I was never able to make heads or tails of them and thought they were kind of similar to the Metropolis Pt. 1 lyrics where John always said they didn't mean anything. Can anyone expand on what they think TSM is about?
I guess there is the stained glass imagery, and the "a voice never heard" line which call back to Voices, as well as similar themes of questioning religion. Is it supposed to be a reason v. faith sort of thing (with Voices being about struggles with one's faith, and TSM being about reason giving clarity or something)?
Voices is about what a person with schizophrenia experiences in their mind, and also the effect it has on others. Because of this, the person remains silent in order to avoid further confrontation. This persons delusions relate to Christianity as it's their religion and they are relating their life with these biblical personas and their own beliefs. Him exerting his beliefs as if he is a Messiah is causing a disconnect with the people, so he decides to remain "a voice never heard" to avoid upsetting the congregation, even though the person truly believes what he hears from these Biblical figures in his own mind.
Thanks, Ben_Jamin, that makes more sense than what I was thinking. I knew there was a mental health aspect to it (due to the name), but hadn't really thought about TSM in that way before. Of course, I found this on Wikipedia, which tracks with what you're saying about Voices but not so much about TSM:
"Erotomania", "Voices" and "The Silent Man" form a three-part suite titled "A Mind Beside Itself". Portnoy stated that the instrumental "Erotomania" was written "off the cuff"[14] as "a bit of a joke and parody".[14] Petrucci penned the lyrics to "Voices", dealing with the subject of mental illness. He researched schizophrenia and similar disorders and used religious terms "to make things more vivid".[15] "When I was writing it, I saw these terms and medical things that were just brilliant," he said. "Like there was a guy who felt that his skin was inside out. I read that and was like 'Oh my God! That's unbelievable; I've got to write about that.'"[15] Petrucci wrote the music and lyrics to the acoustic "The Silent Man". LaBrie described the lyrics as dealing with "communication breakdown, for instance between a father and a son. We feel that we have to play certain roles when around one of our parents, and we never really get to know the real person. I'm lucky that I behave with my own father like I would a friend. We can joke around and go for a beer."[14]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awake_(Dream_Theater_album)
Looks like that all came out of the Lifting Shadows book. Not sure how much we should trust James as the authoritative interpreter of JP's lyrics though!
69 - Hollow Years: #92Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
66 The Ministry of Lost Souls
This one is always such a massive tease. The main theme is glorious, and Petrucci's solo at the end is magnificent, but the meat itself is just such a drag to get through. And it's not like there is any part of the song I dislike. It just feels like work to get through it. It didn't make my top 100, but I get why it did for many. It had five top 25 finishes.
69 - Hollow Years: #92Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
I love James, but his introducing Mr. John Petrucci during one of his finest solos has always bothered me.69 - Hollow Years: #92Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
It's a small sample size obviously, but some of the results so far, just by eye balling them, are a bit surprising to me. No spoilers yet, but there is a song that has been no worse than a top 20-25 DT song in my eyes for nearly 25 years now and it might have a hard time even making the top 100 here. That is just shocking to me.
69 - Hollow Years: #92Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
You're welcome! There's quite a few BCaSL bootlegs out there, so while there's no officially released live release with that version, you can still have it as a part of your collection. :)I loved everything about that version. Thanks for sharing.69 - Hollow Years: #92Then you'd probably love the version of HYears they played on the BCaSL tour!
I like the demo pre-chorus that was cut from the studio, if you combine this with the L@B version, it would be my definitive version of the song. The build-up it has in it's arrangement, especially the Budakon version is awesome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF6Ao3FMyqM
I was impressed with how liked this song was, as it appeared in almost every list.
56. The Enemy Inside
My ranking: Unranked (approximately #104)I was impressed with how liked this song was, as it appeared in almost every list.
Well, this is awkward...
It's near the top of that "good but doesn't stand out" territory, which is the fate of a disproportionate number of songs on DT12. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, I like the intro a lot, and the verses are pretty good. It just doesn't quite have enough going for it to break my top 100.
... "good but doesn't stand out" territory, which is the fate of a disproportionate number of songs on DT12. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it...
57 Innocence Faded
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 5 (Elite)
This is from Awake, so it being great is a given. :hat :hat
56 The Enemy Inside
Highest Ranking: 18 (Laughingplace56, erciccio)
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?Yes. Mine was one of them.
Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?Yes. Mine was one of them.
Honestly, given that there are 70+ songs that won't make the cut, I'm surprised that IF made as many lists as it did, especially in comparison to some of the other songs that didn't make as many top 100 lists.It's all subjective and everybody has songs they just don't connect with. Just hard to imagine it being that low on anyone's list.Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?Yes. Mine was one of them.
Honestly, given that there are 70+ songs that won't make the cut, I'm surprised that IF made as many lists as it did, especially in comparison to some of the other songs that didn't make as many top 100 lists.It's all subjective and everybody has songs they just don't connect with. Just hard to imagine it being that low on anyone's list.Thinking about this again. Innoncence Faded got left off of 6 top 100 lists?Yes. Mine was one of them.
54 6:00
Appeared on 22 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 1 (HOF)
54 6:00
I had this at #87.
This is the first new DT music I heard post I&W. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
6:00 was one of the few Awake songs that grabbed me right away at first. Awake is my favorite DT album, but it was a little bit of a grower, as it was so different from I&W. 6:00 and Voices (the beginning at least) were the two I liked right away, and I liked that Caught in a Web intro a ton as well. The entire second half (four songs of which ended up in my top 25 here) was like a blur the first few times. :lol But that is not unusual for an album to be a bit of a mystery at first and then reveal its true self only after a handful or so of listens.
6:00 was one of the few Awake songs that grabbed me right away at first. Awake is my favorite DT album, but it was a little bit of a grower, as it was so different from I&W. 6:00 and Voices (the beginning at least) were the two I liked right away, and I liked that Caught in a Web intro a ton as well. The entire second half (four songs of which ended up in my top 25 here) was like a blur the first few times. :lol But that is not unusual for an album to be a bit of a mystery at first and then reveal its true self only after a handful or so of listens.
I was horrified when I first heard Awake. I had played I&W to death, as well as Live At The Marquee.
6:00 did nothing for me, and CIAW did even less. When Innocence Faded started with it's poppy feel, I was bummed big time. Oddly, it wasn't until I got to Space Dye Vest that I thought the album offered anything new or interesting. This was my FIRST listen impression.
I quickly came to love Voices and Scarred. Especially Scarred. My ride to work for months would consist of those 3 songs.
These days, I think Innocence Faded is amazing, but I'm still lukewarm on both 6:00 and CIAW.
54. 6:00 (NR) I’m one of the heathens😉 I just now realized that when I transferred the original list to Excel, I did a ‘find and replace’, replacing the numbers in front of all the songs with spaces. So, this title disappeared. :facepalm: If this were titled ‘Six O’Clock’, I’d have placed it about #80. I do try my best to hear it as the first song on Christmas Day.
Interesting HOF, that you place 6:00 as you number 1. Although I love Awake as being one of my all time favorites, I don't like all those samples Portnoy weaved in and 6:00 for (ex)ample, is one of those that just doesn't do it for me. The mellow part in between, that you call the 'pain inside, coming outside-section' is not really for me. I love the piece, although not highly as you.
Though I don't have specific evidence of this, I really think the samples on 6:00 are Kevin Moore thing, seeing as Space Dye Vest and Eve are probably the most sample-heavy DT songs and are very KM-driven (SDV being exclusively his). Plus, Eve and 6:00 both feature samples from adaptations of James Joyce novels, which is probably not a coincidence.
Not to say that Mike didn't push for the use of samples in other songs (I imagine the ones in Honor Thy Father are his choice, for example), but I think the 6:00 ones were KM.
I wonder if that was a Portnoy thing or a Kevin Moore thing with the samples.It was both. In the songs where MP wrote the lyrics, MP was behind the samples. Where KM wrote the lyrics, it was KM.
I wonder if that was a Portnoy thing or a Kevin Moore thing with the samples.It was both. In the songs where MP wrote the lyrics, MP was behind the samples. Where KM wrote the lyrics, it was KM.
And unfortunately I think the samples rarely add anything to their respective songs.I don't have a problem with them. To me, they're an integral part of each song they appear in even though they themselves aren't music or musical. The only thing of the sort that bugs me was when JL would introduce a song about 1 minute after the band had begun playing it, such as 6:00 on L@LP. He seems to have done that mostly on the Dramatic tour, so I'm glad he doesn't anymore.
It’s weird how everyone heard Lie first from Awake but I could swear the first (and only) song I ever heard from Awake on the radio was Caught in a Web.Not sure why that's weird. In 1994, DT was still a known entity (off the back of IaW and especially PMU), so the lead (pre-release) promo single to their follow up album was surely to get radio airplay. I can remember hearing the radio edit (with the drum intro and without the Mirror reprise) on the local rock radio stations regularly leading up until the release day of Awake.
It’s weird how everyone heard Lie first from Awake but I could swear the first (and only) song I ever heard from Awake on the radio was Caught in a Web.
All things said. My biggest divergence from the final tally was Lie, which I placed 66 places lower than the crowd. And, like some have said, I'm starting to lose faith that some of the songs that I placed very high are not going to make the list at all. For instance, The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun and Light Fuse and Get Away both made my TOP 30! But if I haven't seen them yet, I'm losing hope that I will see them at all. :-\ :-\
I never heard anything from Awake on the radio, but I definitely remember the Lie video.
I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol
I'm starting to lose faith that some of the songs that I placed very high are not going to make the list at all. For instance, The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun and Light Fuse and Get Away both made my TOP 30! But if I haven't seen them yet, I'm losing hope that I will see them at all. :-\ :-\They didn't make it. If AFiL, YJ and Afterlife – which are all more universally liked on this forum – were already posted in position, there's no way in hades that obscure tracks like TOWHtStS and LFaGA are gonna make the list. Bums me out too, because both made my top 20, but unfortunately that's the way it is.
Interesting. I knew KM was gone, but I think I might have been under the impression that JR was gonna be the keyboardist judging by a couple blurbs that were posted in the music magazines that I was reading at the time.I never heard anything from Awake on the radio, but I definitely remember the Lie video.Funny story. I didn’t know until the night of the show either. My first wife and I took the entire day off so we could hang out at the venue and wait for the buses to pull in. of course, there was no security or entourage back in those days. so we got to meet all the guys after the buses pulled into the alley, and they had to walk (yes…WALK) A block or two to the hotel they were staying at. we had bought a cow related T-shirt as a gift for Kevin (remembering the reference that he liked “moo cows” from the LIT video) and that’s when MP himself told us “Oh…you guys haven’t heard yet” and broke the news to us.
I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol
I have Light Fuse and Get Away in my top 50. It’s not a favorite per se, but I think the instrumental section is really cool, and I like the chorus for the most part. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun is on my list but further down. It has interesting lyrics, but not a ton else sticks out about it to me.
I have Light Fuse and Get Away in my top 50. It’s not a favorite per se, but I think the instrumental section is really cool, and I like the chorus for the most part. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun is on my list but further down. It has interesting lyrics, but not a ton else sticks out about it to me.
This is a common criticism of TOWHTSTS that absolutely feels like a stab to the heart every time I hear it.
The intro ALONE might be one of the most beautiful moments on the entire album. Then after that? You get that slow build up of tension.
UGH! I don’t want to hijack the thread, but the fact that that song is so maligned (often finishing last on song ranking’s from that album) might be TO ME the greatest injustice of DTs entire catalog.
/rant
Commentary on SOC and PBT coming tomorrow.
Thank you for doing this Kev. This is actually amazingly fun. I think I speak for all of us when I say we are all having a blast doing this!
No songs from I&W yet.. if they're all still yet to come, that means at least Wait for Sleep is too high :biggrin:
we also haven't seen anything from Six Degrees so far, only One Last Time from SFAM and not a lot from Awake either.
You wouldn't think all of that is going to be cluttered at the top, don't you? :neverusethis:
No songs from I&W yet.. if they're all still yet to come, that means at least Wait for Sleep is too high :biggrin:
we also haven't seen anything from Six Degrees so far, only One Last Time from SFAM and not a lot from Awake either.
You wouldn't think all of that is going to be cluttered at the top, don't you? :neverusethis:
I still remember the opening night of the tour and seeing some shorthaired keyboard player. I was like WTF?? You can hear me gabbing all over the Providence boot..."He's from Alice Cooper's band"! :lol
Funny story. I didn’t know until the night of the show either. My first wife and I took the entire day off so we could hang out at the venue and wait for the buses to pull in. of course, there was no security or entourage back in those days. so we got to meet all the guys after the buses pulled into the alley, and they had to walk (yes…WALK) A block or two to the hotel they were staying at. we had bought a cow related T-shirt as a gift for Kevin (remembering the reference that he liked “moo cows” from the LIT video) and that’s when MP himself told us “Oh…you guys haven’t heard yet” and broke the news to us.
The best thing about the pre-internet days is that the setlist was always a surprise.
The best thing about the pre-internet days is that the setlist was always a surprise.
True. But it's only our fault to not control ourselves and see the setlist before the show... obvious, but often we would like so much the rotating setlists just to compensate that.
I have Stream of Consciousness at 41. Nice instrumental, and the best thing on TOT.
I have Stream of Consciousness at 41. Nice instrumental, and the best thing on TOT.
Funny. ITNOG destroys it.
I'll be the first to say that I find The Dance of Eternity to be extremely overrated. I mean, it's good (I had it ay #76), but out of context of the album and as a separate track it kind of sucks. It's this over-endulgent technical wank-fest, which is impressive (and fun to play on a guitar), but not a song I often want to listen to. On my list I actually had 7(!) instrumentals ranked higher than The Dance of Eternity. That includes Stream of Consciousness (I had it at #40), which I consider their second best instrumental track and - like HOF - the best thing on Train of Thought.
I had the Killing Hand at #26, mostly based on the fantastic rendition on Live at the Marquee. Looking at some of the songs I placed even higher, on a different day it might have ended up in my top 20 even. The Killing Hand is a prototype Dream Theater epic track, as far as I'm concerned. A lot of later stuff can be traced back to this song.
Just chiming in to say Dance of Eternity is amazing and not overrated. If I had a choice for 10 listens between it and SOC I would go 9 Dance of Eternity and 1 SOC.
Just chiming in to say Dance of Eternity is amazing and not overrated. If I had a choice for 10 listens between it and SOC I would go 9 Dance of Eternity and 1 SOC.
Well, I would probably go for 5 listen to each track and this is a strange way of comparing songs, so I don't know what you're on about. I also wrote that I think that in the context of the album, it's a good track and that I find it overrated when viewed away from the album. I think Stream of Consciousness is a better standalone song; TDOE relies on themes and motifs from Metropolis as well as the rest of SFAM to make it work. And again, in context of the album it's an impressive technical showcase. As a composition alone, Stream of Consciousness works better I believe.
Yet Erotomania is my highest ranked DT instrumental, so what do I know.
I'll be the first to say that I find The Dance of Eternity to be extremely overrated. I mean, it's good (I had it ay #76), but out of context of the album and as a separate track it kind of sucks. It's this over-endulgent technical wank-fest, which is impressive (and fun to play on a guitar), but not a song I often want to listen to. On my list I actually had 7(!) instrumentals ranked higher than The Dance of Eternity. That includes Stream of Consciousness (I had it at #40), which I consider their second best instrumental track and - like HOF - the best thing on Train of Thought.
48 The Killing Hand
Appeared on 20 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 4 (TAC)
Not surprisingly, this is the highest ranked song from the debut. Great song for sure.
The Dance of Eternity has the title of being the most quintessential Dream Theater instrumental. But it works better as part of the album. And also, I can never unhear....."GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP GNIP GNOP!!!" :rollin :rollin :rollin
45 Panic Attack #84
The energy and the beat in the verses create this sense of an odd pulsating heart beat, the rhythm of the lyrics also creates this tense moment. I find it kind of interesting how Never Enough gets flack for sounding like Muse, yet nothing is said much of Panic Attack, I hear a lot of Muse influence in this song as well, but it's not as obvious of a nod to a song as Never Enough is. It takes some structure and style similarities in the bass, rhythm from Hysteria, and also in the vocals sung in the chorus of Panic Attack. With regards to Panic Attack, they turn up the tempo, and we get an even more hysterical piece that has turned into panic. I really want to hear this song with Mangini, and sort of hope they play it this coming tour.
46 The Great Debate #23
There's a lot I could say about this song, but I will keep it short.
46 The Great Debate #23
There's a lot I could say about this song, but I will keep it short.
Too bad they couldn't :biggrin:
Yeah I had TGD super high. Love that instrumental section and probably my favorite MP drumming.
Ben_Jamin, Panick Attack live with MM:
https://youtu.be/AJBKry9KEMA
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I have it at 63.
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about, that song is... Octavarium.
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I have it at 63.
Er..that doesn't add up to 8.
:mehlinI'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I have it at 63.
Fall into the light: no rank! I really really love the middle section, but I find the rest of the song quite lame. I love Metallica, but I don't like Dream Theater mimicking them! (but I do love Dream Theater when they mimic Metallica that mimics Morricone!)
Antoher Day: 25. Just the perfect power-prog-rock ballad, with an amazing performance by James. It was my wife's cell ringtone for a few years...
As concerns my #1...it has a "v" in the title, but not an "m".
Fall into the light: no rank! I really really love the middle section, but I find the rest of the song quite lame. I love Metallica, but I don't like Dream Theater mimicking them! (but I do love Dream Theater when they mimic Metallica that mimics Morricone!)
Antoher Day: 25. Just the perfect power-prog-rock ballad, with an amazing performance by James. It was my wife's cell ringtone for a few years...
As concerns my #1...it has a "v" in the title, but not an "m".
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I have it at 63.
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I have it at 63.
This blows my mind. But I have TDS as number 1 so I'll shut up.
I'm very excited to see what ends up at #1. There is one song in particular that I know the fanbase raves about but I don't even have in my top 10 (had I done a list) so will be interesting to see where that song lands. I just can't stomach it being #1 haha.
I still like it though, just not top 10. That song is... Octavarium.
I have it at 63.
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...
This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...
This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?
46. The Great Debate (NR) Six Degrees was my first DT purchase in ’03. Disc One was a rough introduction. Not a fan of the samples and lyrics. Deleted from my Disc One back then. Years later, I came across a ‘karaoke’ version, and then this much better version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYgAGFLHwHg Replacing the original makes for an interesting evening listen
These walls: no rank. An average Muse song, I barely hear Dream Theater in there...
This comment makes absolutely no sense. Do you even know what Muse sounds like, or is it the cool thing to randomly compare every song on Octavarium to that band now?
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.
Yes, also LP of course.
The reason why I don't love Octavarium as an album overall is because there are way too many influences and "quotes" in basically all the songs, including the title track.
BUT in the title track you have the 5 minutes of musical orgasm known as "Razor's Edge", so I forgive them...
Yeah, I think those Muse-inspired riffs and bass tone were kind of all over Octavarium, including on These Walls. But I can hear the Lincoln Park feel to it as well.
Yes, also LP of course.
The reason why I don't love Octavarium as an album overall is because there are way too many influences and "quotes" in basically all the songs, including the title track.
BUT in the title track you have the 5 minutes of musical orgasm known as "Razor's Edge", so I forgive them...
I actually think that's the theme for the entire album, but more so theme of the Full Circle section of Octavarium (the song). The theme of bands starting out playing songs of their influences, creating their own "style" and becoming an influence for others to follow, and then coming full circle being influenced by other (sometimes newer) musicians. It's a reason for the lyrics referencing MP's major musical references with their song titles.
I had Hell’s Kitchen at 8, but I’m thrilled to see I wasn’t the high person on it! I wouldn’t have expected a top 50 finish for it, really, so 42 is a pleasant surprise. Definitely my favorite DT instrumental. So much atmosphere in the first half, and one of my favorite moments from JP. It’s also one of my favorite MP drum parts. I feel like FII is the last album where he really seemed to map out and orchestrate his drum parts. This one is just really well put together and fun to watch him play on his instructional video.
I had Hell’s Kitchen at 8, but I’m thrilled to see I wasn’t the high person on it! I wouldn’t have expected a top 50 finish for it, really, so 42 is a pleasant surprise. Definitely my favorite DT instrumental. So much atmosphere in the first half, and one of my favorite moments from JP. It’s also one of my favorite MP drum parts. I feel like FII is the last album where he really seemed to map out and orchestrate his drum parts. This one is just really well put together and fun to watch him play on his instructional video.
Well, I could have written this myself! Hell's Kitchen is my favorite DT instrumental as well (going toe-to-toe with Ytse Jam, which I love for the youthful energy and, yes, the Rush influence ;D). And you are spot on regarding the drum parts. I do, too, get the feeling that the compositional approach of MP and the band changed after FII. It brought lots of good things, of course, but it's also part of the reason I miss that era (including FII - imperfect as it is, it has SO many cool ideas)
I have never heard this before, but it actually makes that part of the song Octavarium make some sense.
Endless Sacrifice just barely made it onto my list at 98. Kind of a something had to go there situation.
This thread is awesome so well done to everyone who has contributed. I admire you all to be able to construct these lists, I always find rankings really tough!
40 Endless Sacrifice
Highest Ranking: 12 (CoolChris, TAC)
Yeah, this has flirted with the Top 10 for years. I think this is a fantastic tune. I find the lyrics by JP really personal. Yes, Kev, the instrumental part is bonkers, and I've heard people criticize it for being out of place, but I couldn't disagree more.
Also, I love the Maiden part leading into to the "Over the distance..." part. Amazing.
39 Barstool Warrior
I had this at #57.
This is really good song. Just missed my Top 50, but I find it highly enjoyable.
37 Outcry
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 10 (erciccio)
On the flip side, I was and still am shocked by this one finishing this high. I like it quite a bit, and it even made my top 100 (it was 98), but a top 40 DT song of all time? I don't see it.
Have we had any song on all 26 lists yet?
Is Outcry the most so far being on 25 of 26?
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.
37 Outcry
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 10 (erciccio)
On the flip side, I was and still am shocked by this one finishing this high. I like it quite a bit, and it even made my top 100 (it was 98), but a top 40 DT song of all time? I don't see it.
Not only a top 40 DT song, but top 20 (I had it at #17) and the best Mangini era song as far as I'm concerned. Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previously, and have praised it before. This is top-tier songwriting as far as I'm concerned and of one not all too many instances in Dream Theater's entire discography where I can hear actual conscious choices for where the music goes with regards to the lyrics. Quite often they seem 'tacked on top' of the already written music, for better or worse, whereas that's clearly not the case in Outcry. From the amazing instrumental section, the build-up in the first half to the chorus reprise in a different key. Man.. this song is gold. #37 is 20 places too low!
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previouslyIf possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment.
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.
Have a hunch this involves me.
39 Barstool Warrior #26…. That happy, uplifting sort of sound is a big reason why I love Dream Theater as musicians. …
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.
Lifting Shadows (and all of Awake) is peak JLB… I had at 50 but I probably underrate these more than I should.
No rating on The Bigger Picture… the title track is a good try, everything else is forgotten.
41 These Walls #13
Octavarium was one of the first Dream Theater albums I had bought and it's grand nugget themes are a reason for me enjoying this album a lot. These Walls is great in how JP uses a baritone guitar tuned down to a step to achieve the low A. Which is the next key in the musical Octave (A big theme as well that is part of the albums namesake). This is a key that relates to me, and this song does relate to me a lot. The clean guitars and the distortion tone I find to be pretty soothing. The vocal melodies actually soar through the music and I love how they build-up into the chorus. I appreciate how simple this song is for DT, especially the guitar solo. This laid-back, simplistic, atmosphere makes me feel that it represents the person unable to tear the walls down, and you feel this pent up tension waiting to be released by tearing down the walls. It's a reason for me enjoying the outro a lot as that to me is like a person trying desperately to tear down the walls, like the sound of a sledgehammer pounding down the wall. (Which I just now realized can be related to the concept of Pink Floyd's The Wall...
Lifting Shadows (and all of Awake) is peak JLB… I had at 50 but I probably underrate these more than I should.
No rating on The Bigger Picture… the title track is a good try, everything else is forgotten.
The title track….from Dream Theater???
39 Barstool Warrior #26…. That happy, uplifting sort of sound is a big reason why I love Dream Theater as musicians. …
Clipping this out of your post, I agree 110% about the bands overall sound and it’s also why I love them (above and beyond getting on board with I&W) - for me I hear it with About to Crash, which is held back in rank by the rule that 6D is a whole, but otherwise to me that’s their most uplifting sound and (on its own) easily would have been my #3.
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previouslyIf possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment.
41 These Walls #13
Octavarium was one of the first Dream Theater albums I had bought and it's grand nugget themes are a reason for me enjoying this album a lot. These Walls is great in how JP uses a baritone guitar tuned down to a step to achieve the low A. Which is the next key in the musical Octave (A big theme as well that is part of the albums namesake). This is a key that relates to me, and this song does relate to me a lot. The clean guitars and the distortion tone I find to be pretty soothing. The vocal melodies actually soar through the music and I love how they build-up into the chorus. I appreciate how simple this song is for DT, especially the guitar solo. This laid-back, simplistic, atmosphere makes me feel that it represents the person unable to tear the walls down, and you feel this pent up tension waiting to be released by tearing down the walls. It's a reason for me enjoying the outro a lot as that to me is like a person trying desperately to tear down the walls, like the sound of a sledgehammer pounding down the wall. (Which I just now realized can be related to the concept of Pink Floyd's The Wall...
BenJamin, in general, but especially with These Walls, I find it very interesting to read your thoughts. Through your eyes, These Walls made have raised a few spots on the list, for me.
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previouslyIf possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment.
Yes! I had to go back through my posting history. The comment was made in a thread about DT’s finest moment and started as a reply to another poster, so for clarity’s sake I’m not go to copy-paste the entire post here, but instead link to the post in the thread (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56364.msg2769867#msg2769867) so you can read what prompted it in the first place.
Outcry is absolutely fantastic. I've done an analysis/dissection of the track here previouslyIf possible can you post a link to that? I'm interested to read your thoughts on the song, because I agree, it's one of the band's very greatest masterpieces. Compositionally I think there's a case to be made that it's actually their finest moment.
Yes! I had to go back through my posting history. The comment was made in a thread about DT’s finest moment and started as a reply to another poster, so for clarity’s sake I’m not go to copy-paste the entire post here, but instead link to the post in the thread (https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=56364.msg2769867#msg2769867) so you can read what prompted it in the first place.
I appreciate it. Dream Theater is my favorite band, or more so, the only band where I own all the albums, know pretty much all the songs, listen to various live recordings, and joined it's official forum that used to be featured on their website. I really love music, and it's pretty much vital to my overall perspective in life. I analyze it to wonder why the artist chose to use this tone, why did the artist use this sound, what was the message of the music, and does the music relate to it's lyrics and message. These are what I ask myself when I listen to music, but I like to take it all in first without asking these questions and letting the music hit me with whatever it is. I find music is best appreciated when no expectations are made about how the music is going to sound. For this reason, it's why I find it sort of hilarious how Dream Theater wound up with a vocalist with a tone that is not well enjoyed by some people, yet his tone is a big characteristic of the bands overall sound and tone of the band. Each member of this band is/was vital to the bands overall tone, with each person easily identifiable in their involvement in the music and also lyrics.
But that's why I enjoy Dream Theater, and am taking this opportunity to share my thoughts about the songs. This is very fun, and a great way to start the new year off. We're leading into the start of the tour as well...so I sort of see it as a countdown to the show in Mesa, which I am attending. :metal
As a tiebreaker, because TBP appeared in more entreess than LSOAD, it shouldn't be at #34 and LSOAD at #35? Just a suggestion.
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.
There's two songs I don't have in my Top 100 that are otherwise universally praised... I wonder if either of those made the Top 5. Guess we'll have to wait and see!
35 (t) The Bigger Picture #4
It's an honor to be the person who has this at the highest spot on this top 100.
Going back to These Walls, I should mention that I had it at number 13 also. It's magic and the atmosphere is just so incredible.
35 (t) The Bigger Picture #4
It's an honor to be the person who has this at the highest spot on this top 100.
Really??! :lol
#35?? Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. - not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.
#35?? Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. - not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.
That sucks. I’m sorry.
Funny thing about the whole Awake album. It was the first thing I heard from the band, and I was blown away. But I went out and immediately bought SFAM (it was the newest album) and was so obsessed with that, I didn’t go back to Awake for a while. Even though it’s the one that drew me in, it took a few years to really get it. I mean, to the point where I’m following the lyrics, rewinding to listen to vocal lines in “Caught in a Web”. A song that most diehards don’t give two shits about. And I heard “Lifting Shadows off a Dream” as the masterpiece it is.#35?? Lifting Shadows Off A Dream. - not rated for me.. I just never could get into this song.
That sucks. I’m sorry.
Fortunately there is a Ton to love, so..it's ok. Who knows though, I may give it some listens and see if its a grower, since it is so popular.
Get ready for a mellow update coming shortly!! :P
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)
I love this song, obviously. I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)
I love this song, obviously. I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.
I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.
Not that I'm complaining, Misunderstood is my #16 and that's actually largely due to the ending, which I think is awesome. Your high placement undoubtedly made it rank higher in the final list, so thanks I guess.
33 Misunderstood
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 1
Highest Ranking: 4 (ZirconBlue)
I love this song, obviously. I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.
I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.
Not that I'm complaining, Misunderstood is my #16 and that's actually largely due to the ending, which I think is awesome. Your high placement undoubtedly made it rank higher in the final list, so thanks I guess.
I have Disappear somewhere in the Top 10 on my list (I'm keeping the exact placement a secret for now in case Kev does reveal all the Top 10s at the end). This is one of eight songs in my top tier of Dream Theater songs. This song is beautiful, haunting, and depressing, and I love every element of it. I don't know which song is more depressing, this or Heartattack in a Layby from Porcupine Tree. Heartattack is probably the more depressing one, but Disappear leaves a bigger impact on me.
Today's songs!!
32 Wait for Sleep
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 2
Highest Ranking: 5 (425)
Awesome song, one that just oozes with melody. I can still play the main melody on the keyboard (the lead part only :lol). I had this at 30.
31 Disappear
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 4 (Cool Chris, Setlist Scotty)
This one has been a major grower for me. I always liked it a ton, but in recent years, it has really elevated big time. I had it at 22, while years ago it would have been a borderline top 50 song. The atmosphere in this one is just phenomenal.
I had Beyond This Life at 96. Yikes. It is better than that, especially the first part, but that instrumental section isn't nearly good enough to be as long as it is.
I had Beyond This Life at 96. Yikes. It is better than that, especially the first part, but that instrumental section isn't nearly good enough to be as long as it is.
I love this song, obviously. I'm not a huge fan of the "noise solo", but the rest of the song is sheer perfection.
I find it rather odd that despite not 'being a huge fan' of a quarter of the song's total duration, you still put it at #4.
I also attribute this as the song that is playing behind the image on the cover art.
So...28 left...
My guess (too easy? :biggrin:):
-I&W : 5
-Awake: 4
-FII: 2
-SFAM:5
-SDOIT:3
-ToT:1
-8um: 1
-SC:1
-BC&SL: 1
-ADTOE: 2
-D12: 1
- DoT: 1
- Others: 1
If I am right, I have 27/28 in my top 100..a very heavy one missing
Under a glass moon was #33 for me, the lowest ranking from I&W
I’ll post a catch-up post tomorrow. But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.
But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.
Kind of funny that today's songs finished back to back considering they might be the band's two most played songs of the last 20+ years.
28 The Spirit Carries On
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 3
Highest Ranking: 1 (DragonAttack)
This has consistently been a top 10 DT song for me since Scenes was released and I had it at 8 here. Amazing song in every way imaginable. It slays live every time, and the band is wise to play it as often as they do.
27 Pull Me Under
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 0
Highest Ranking: 13 (Cool Chris)
I am sure I am one of many whose intro to Dream Theater was hearing this song. And nearly 30 years later, it's still pretty damn bad ass. It has aged very well. I had it 32.
I’ll post a catch-up post tomorrow. But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.
But I have to admit I’m a little amazed that PMU had zero top 10s.
I'd be more amazed if they had any Top 10's.
Sorry if I have missed it, but has any song been ranked on all 26 lists yet?
I know the sentiment in the lyrics is all part of the story, but the reincarnation aspect of it mixed with the gospel choir has always struck me as really odd (and a bit cliched).
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'. I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'. I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.
I suspect they mean relative to other DT songs in the context of how often they are played live. No clue how accurate setlist.fm is, but it shows Pull Me Under as their most played song ever, and The Spirit Carries On as their 3rd most played song ever. Makes sense in both cases, as Pull Me Under is by far their biggest "hit" ever, and The Spirit Carries On is a major fan favorite that crowds go nuts for nearly every time. I suspect both are songs the more casual DT fans are likely to know and enjoy more than most others.
I don't quite understand how any DT song could have the tag 'overplayed'. I mean, I get it but I still think its a slight stretch.
Someone once asked on the forum what the best part of this song was. I answered "This is the easiest question I've answered all week: James." In the hands (voice?) of a lesser singer, this song would fall somewhere between mediocre and silly. That "Dark Master" section probably should be ridiculous, but James is able to elevate it to something special.
I will happily say what I want about Constant Motion or The Dark Eternal Night... they are awful, and fail to do what ItPoE (that acronym still gives me trouble) does so well: showcase the talents of one of the best singers in the genre.
Take the Time is amazing and I'm glad to be featured in the group of posters who ranked it highest (my #8). Doesn't need that much more explanation; good vocals, cool groove, great guitar work.. what does need explanation is the 4 people that didn't include this song!
It's funny to hear you guys mention sections of Illumination Theory by name. I couldn't even name one section. :lol
It's funny to hear you guys mention sections of Illumination Theory by name. I couldn't even name one section. :lol
I know! I had forgotten there were sections that had names. But I probably couldn't name each section of A Change of Seasons, and that is one of my favorite DT songs.
My condolences to all 28 songs that are feeling the shame of finishing below You Not Me. :P
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.
I had The Answer Lies Within at 19, for a spread of 103 places. I wonder if your The Way It Used To Be rank (looks like 110 places) is the largest difference?
I have Chosen in my top 5 because it's an amazing song both in context of the album and also for what it's meaning Is about. "No, I can't climb this mountain without you, no I can't face this on my own." Guess I should be glad it almost made it on the list.
As we get ready for the top 20, here is how the rankings looked outside of the top 100 for all songs that got votes, but didn't make the list.
129 Just Let Me Breathe
Also, what is "0.25"? I've never heard of that.
As we get ready for the top 20, here is how the rankings looked outside of the top 100 for all songs that got votes, but didn't make the list.
129 Just Let Me Breathe
This is the most offensive result of the rankings. I’m confident had the amount of submissions been much higher that it would’ve made the top 100, but I’m still shocked! This is such a fun song!!I had it at 29 and hope they put it back in the set someday.
110. Take Away My Pain
My ranking: #63
I've never understood the hate for this song. I think it's a really beautiful piece. Just gorgeous, emotional vocal melodies. I like the album version, but I would agree it's not the best version of this song because of the vaguely Caribbean vibe which is a bit out of place.
110. Take Away My Pain
My ranking: #63
I've never understood the hate for this song. I think it's a really beautiful piece. Just gorgeous, emotional vocal melodies. I like the album version, but I would agree it's not the best version of this song because of the vaguely Caribbean vibe which is a bit out of place.
It makes more sense when you think of it being in the vein of Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes or Genesis' Follow You Follow Me.
425, thanks for your recap of yours that didn't make the list. Your in depth writing puts mine to shame.
125. The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
My ranking: #100
Couldn't resist sneaking this one in my final spot. I think this song has so much potential, and doesn't quite come together to become all it could have been. For one thing, I absolutely concede that it takes too long to get started. But once it gets going, there are some really awesome parts. The "There must have been a time when I thought that you were watching" verse builds a ton of tension." And the "chorus" ("In higher lives we seem to be...") is really good. I feel like it could have been more—I hear a full choir on that part, or at least a power metal multi-layered part—but it's good even as is.
142. The Road to Revolution
My ranking: #76
I know there's somewhat of a sentiment here that the first disc should have just ended with A New Beginning, and that may be behind the low ranking of this one. I couldn't disagree more. I really like "recap" songs like this, and I think this one is not only really well done, but actually full of awesome musical and character moments. The whole intro, especially the guitar part right before the vocals come in is awesome. And I actually think every vocal part is awesome, both from performance-wise and lyrically. "If love's a risk, it's worth a chance" is great, and honestly, "Arhys, time is running out / What will your decision be? / If you still have any doubt / Think about Evangeline" and "Change my mind / A waste of time / For soon he will be mine" are two of the top ten or so parts on the album that I find myself singing most often.
This is a really good song on its own, a great song in context, and doesn't deserve to be down in the 140s.
139. Losing Faythe
My ranking: #97
I suspect the low placement of this one has a lot to do with "ballad fatigue" on The Astonishing, because I think it's a good song and a really important character moment for Nafaryus.
Honestly, this one snuck into my top 100 in large part on the strength of reprising significant parts of Chosen, which is one of my favorite songs on the album. But I also think the last section is really powerful, and quite emotional in the context of the album.
138. Begin Again
My ranking: #74
So I guess I'm just more of an Astonishing-ballad fan than the average poster. Another really good song here—I think #74 might have been a little overzealous, but I still think it's top 100. A lot of great stuff from Jordan in the intro, and a strong James performance. Best moments are "In an instant... life could change" and "I dream of peace above all else."
I like that you have a lot of The Astonishing songs in you rankings as well. :tup
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.Mine was eve didn't even rank.
I think a lot of Eve myself (Top 10 for me), but that one didn't shock me. I know there are only a handful of us who even know Eve, much less love it.Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.Mine was eve didn't even rank.
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
I think a lot of Eve myself (Top 10 for me), but that one didn't shock me. I know there are only a handful of us who even know Eve, much less love it.Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.Mine was eve didn't even rank.
It was top 10 in mine too. I was kinda surprised it didn't even rank because i saw a lot precise for the song lately, and its usually regarded as one of their best songs. But it being an instrumental, and kinda ballad-y might have affect the ranking.I think a lot of Eve myself (Top 10 for me), but that one didn't shock me. I know there are only a handful of us who even know Eve, much less love it.Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.Mine was eve didn't even rank.
I've just got one question about these 'the One Who Help to Set the Sun' lyrics:According to Charlie Dominici, the basic message behind the lyrics to that song is that before becoming recording artists, other bands/artists were the ones who were "setting the sun". Now that they've become recording artists themselves, now they are the one who help to set the sun.
<snip>
I mean, honestly, what are they all about? I can't seem to make any story of it that makes sense at some point. It might be my English is crackin' or my imagination lets me down big time, but these are amongst the most vage, weird and strange lyrics Petrucci ever wrote. I ranked it in the 80's-tier myself and am somehow connected with the song, but surely not by the storyline.
Barfbag got a vote?Yes Chris, Barfbag got at least one vote - from me! Love that song! I had it at #49. What's wrong with it?
19 The Mirror....and if pg1067 was one of the guys who submitted a top 100 list, then I know exactly who was the person who didn't include it on their list! :biggrin:
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
I'm guessing some fans just aren't very familiar with it. It's a shame they never recorded a proper studio version. Least they could do now is give the live version from 5YiALT a proper release.
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.
Three from my top 20 and two from my top 10 not making the top 100 (at this point it seemed likely anyway). Have Speak to Me at 11, The Way It Used To Be at 10, and Take Away My Pain at 5. Disappointing finish for TAMP especially, one of DT’s best produced studio tracks, and some of JP’s finest lyrics and guitar solo.
Looks like we have similar tastes. I had Speak to Me at 23, The Way it Used to Be at 6, and Take Away My Pain at 14
AFAIK, the tracks on CotC are the same as the FII demos, altho I remember there being some discussion about the versions on CotC being better sounding or something. So perhaps there was some additional post-production work done to the ones that ended up on CotC, altho I can't be sure.Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.Looking through this, my biggest shock is that Speak To Me didn't crack the Top 100.
I'm guessing some fans just aren't very familiar with it. It's a shame they never recorded a proper studio version. Least they could do now is give the live version from 5YiALT a proper release.
I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
I had Cover My Eyes, Eve, Another Won, Your Majesty and Bombay Vindaloo all in my top 100.
Mine:I had Cover My Eyes, Eve, Another Won, Your Majesty and Bombay Vindaloo all in my top 100.
Non-album tracks in my top 100:
10. The Way It Used To Be
11. Speak To Me
19. To Live Forever
27. Raise the Knife
44. Eve
49. Cover My Eyes
52. Where Are You Now
60. Another Won
62. Don't Look Past Me
75. The Holiday Spirit Carries On
How do we listen to barfbag and eve?Eve:
Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.AFAIK, the tracks on CotC are the same as the FII demos, altho I remember there being some discussion about the versions on CotC being better sounding or something. So perhaps there was some additional post-production work done to the ones that ended up on CotC, altho I can't be sure.
I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
As for the 1998 Fan Club CD (not official bootleg), if you want to hear it for yourself, you can check it out here:
https://youtu.be/_Ce_ePpcJmM?t=272
It's the full disc (a great companion piece for OiaL), but the link above starts right at StM.
Yeah, he sounded like ass on that show.Yeah, part of the issue with Speak to Me is that the only easily accessible versions for a while now have been the demo and the 1998 official bootleg, of which I only have the demo because of the bad reputation of the 1998 show. Because of that, I've heard the song a few times, but I have to be in a particular frame of mind to want to listen to a demo-quality recording.AFAIK, the tracks on CotC are the same as the FII demos, altho I remember there being some discussion about the versions on CotC being better sounding or something. So perhaps there was some additional post-production work done to the ones that ended up on CotC, altho I can't be sure.
I've obviously never heard Cleaning out the Closet before; does anyone know whether the CotC recordings of the FII five are identical to those on the FII Demos?
As for the 1998 Fan Club CD (not official bootleg), if you want to hear it for yourself, you can check it out here:
https://youtu.be/_Ce_ePpcJmM?t=272
It's the full disc (a great companion piece for OiaL), but the link above starts right at StM.
This is good to know, thanks! And that 1998 Fan Club CD is interesting; I'd forgotten that existed. When I mentioned a 1998 show, I was referring to the Ytse Jam Los Angeles show with Bruce Dickinson, where Speak to Me was played. My understanding is that that show has a reputation as a particularly poor JLB performance.
149 The Holiday Spirit Carries OnJust was thinking about this: should this even be an option for the list? After all, it's just a medley of holiday songs, right? So wouldn't it be along the lines of The Big Medley, Instrumedley and Oh Holy Night, none of which were obviously included?
I would never have thought to include any of those other than maybe Instrumedley, but probably not that either.149 The Holiday Spirit Carries OnJust was thinking about this: should this even be an option for the list? After all, it's just a medley of holiday songs, right? So wouldn't it be along the lines of The Big Medley, Instrumedley and Oh Holy Night, none of which were obviously included?
I would never have thought to include any of those other than maybe Instrumedley, but probably not that either.149 The Holiday Spirit Carries OnJust was thinking about this: should this even be an option for the list? After all, it's just a medley of holiday songs, right? So wouldn't it be along the lines of The Big Medley, Instrumedley and Oh Holy Night, none of which were obviously included?
Anyone knows what is the 0.25 song ranked at #157?
Also, what is "0.25"? I've never heard of that.
Haha :lol :facepalm: that would be “6:00 from excel spreadsheets” I caught too late that I sent it, maybe a few others did too so it’s not dead last? Of course 6:00 being the 25% point of the day so was translated as .25.
20 At Wit’s End
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 2 (Ben_Jamin, marztacy)
19 The Mirror
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Setlist Scotty)
So uhh, some people actually voted for ‘0.25’ despite it not existing? ???
How do we listen to barfbag and eve?Eve:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiayUWUhZSQ
Barfbag:
https://youtu.be/teu39SDdMKQ?t=4049
At Wit's End is amazing. But apparently, I'm one of the two lists that it was left off it seems. I went to my spreadsheet but for some reason I mistakenly didn't paste it over. :facepalm:
I had it originally at #27. I love this song. Total screw up on my part.
Barfbag got a vote?Yes Chris, Barfbag got at least one vote - from me! Love that song! I had it at #49. What's wrong with it?
Wow, after 29 years being a fan, I never known about or heard Barfbag until now!n00b! :biggrin:
Lines in the Sand didn't rank. That intro is mediocre at best and goes on way too long, and that is saying something for a DT song, and yes, the backing vocals on the chorus. I am one of those people.
Honestly surprised 2 other people left it off their lists.
The big shocker from my lust is still yet to come. Stay tuned!
Another hot take: I get what they were trying to do with that character, but I didn't find him particularly funny.
What has shocked me most about my lust... why not ask your wife (or girlfriend, if applicable...) :p
I will mention here that I would request of KevShmev to start a separate thread for the songs that do not make the Top 100 after the next countdown.
20 At Wit’s End
Appeared on 24 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 5
Highest Ranking: 2 (Ben_Jamin, marztacy)
19 The Mirror
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 4
Highest Ranking: 2 (Setlist Scotty)
At Wit's End is amazing. But apparently, I'm one of the two lists that it was left off it seems. I went to my spreadsheet but for some reason I mistakenly didn't paste it over. :facepalm:
I had it originally at #27. I love this song. Total screw up on my part.
I had The Mirror at #99, as it got in once I removed the AVFTTOTW songs and Solitary Shell.
It has the cheesiest MP lyric..."my will or my won't". :lol
I've never cared for The Mirror. I think live in the moment it's fine, but definitely not a fave.
18 Fatal Tragedy (#25) - If you consider together with Through My Words, this scene is the most representative of the overall style of Scenes. It's an amazing song with one of the best instrumental sections from their discography.
17 Lines in the Sand (#4) - It's really an "one and only" DT song, they never would sound so jazzy again like this. Since it's a bit controversial, I must say that I'm very found of Dug's singing on the chorus.
16 Bridges in the Sky (#18) - Epic, killer song with a killer solo/instrumental (it's a detail, but I LOVE how Mangini uses de picollo snare drum in the middle of it). As for all ADTOE, imagine this song with punchy drums on it...
15 Surrounded (#85) - Really really like this song, it's just that the more melodic DT side overall stays behind the epic and heavy sides to me, hence its lower ranking. I love the Live at the Marquee version, not only because the amazing energy of it, but also because of 2 minor details: the sound of piano replacing that more dated keyboard patch at the beginning and the splashes cymbals that MP added around 2:38 and 3:36 mark.
GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!
My wife had knee replacement surgery yesterday. We spent so much time and energy getting ready for it and now so much attention to her recovery that time is just racing by me.
GREAT GOOGLY MOOGLY!!!
My wife had knee replacement surgery yesterday. We spent so much time and energy getting ready for it and now so much attention to her recovery that time is just racing by me.
16 Bridges In The Sky #51
What can I say about this song...https://youtu.be/GKCl684RFT0....This video is what this song is about. It's an excellent song and I would not mind at all if they played it live. I love how heavy it is, yet that fits the vibe of the meaning. The second chorus is really beautiful. The meaning of this does fit the title of the album, as the experience is dramatic yet it's for the better, as the person is there to get healed. It makes the following songs on the album have a greater impact, especially Breaking All Illusions. The Gregorian Chant sample is perfect and I love it.
The Count of Tuscany was my #4.
Ranking DT songs has become impossible to do accurately. With so many excellent songs in their catalog, over time my top 25 songs have become interchangeable; what song I consider to be my favorite solely depends on my mood at the time.
13. The Glass Prison ...slab...
13. The Glass Prison ...slab...
SLAB fantastic word, favorite description of this one yet… it is, and 553 is the kind of part I wish they’d try again. Also I love how this is MPs best (And most appropriate) vocal performance, but after the first lead in JLB is all, *this* is how it’s done.
Let's see which ones will remain out of the top 10, I am really curious about it...my guess is the two heaviest remaining won't make it...:)
Let's see which ones will remain out of the top 10, I am really curious about it...my guess is the two heaviest remaining won't make it...:)
I'm not sure about this comment, as I've thinking it is debatable what the two heaviest remaining songs are? Personally I am thinking one of the songs that could be considered one of the heaviest remaining songs is surely top 5 and possibly higher.....but who knows...
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Appeared on 23 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 9
Highest Ranking: 1 (devieira73, bosk1)
I didn't rate this. I can't think of a bigger piece of meh in their catalog. It's 42 minutes of..well..nothing. Nothing happens. It's not particularly intricate musically, especially compared to other songs. At no point does anything approach a "Holy Shit" moment. Though truth be told, I did have Solitary Shell at #42. I actually like that song, though the '09 live version fell pretty flat.
Actually, there is one thing that this is good for though...
(https://i.imgur.com/y2qntbu.jpg)
12 Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence #11
I am very fascinated with the theme of 6DOIT. It's an excellent suite with sections that portray a certain mental struggle. The music does a great job of presenting the emotional experience of these struggles. The best parts for me are About To Crash, ATC(Reprise), and Solitary Shell. I love the music behind these sections. It's great too how there are 6 mental issues that are presented, one of which is shown twice, which is neat in that it's reprised in the pov of the girl, rather than those who view her on the outside. The song culminates at the end with the lyrics, "Shame and disgrace over mental unrest, keeps us from saving those we love. The grace within our hearts, and the sorrows in our souls" bringing the overarching theme to a close as the band closes not only the song, but the entire theme of the album, "A journey to find the answers inside our elusive mind."
Once In A Livetime is disappointing for many reasons but one big one is that while it finally contained a live version of Scarred, it completely skipped past the outro.That's not the issue I have with it. In fact, I love the way MP had it flow right into the Darkest of Winters.
Once In A Livetime is disappointing for many reasons but one big one is that while it finally contained a live version of Scarred, it completely skipped past the outro.That's not the issue I have with it. In fact, I love the way MP had it flow right into the Darkest of Winters.
Imagine JP chopping up Illumination Theory across the upcoming tour setlist? No.. of course not.Given that JP is anti-medley schmedley, no that ain't gonna happen. But quite frankly, I would love it if he did. I love the way that MP found clever ways to juxtapose sections of different songs together and blend them smoothly. Some he did better than others, but in any case I welcome the difference from simply playing something exactly as it is on the album. If I wanted that, I can just listen to the album itself.
Imagine JP chopping up Illumination Theory across the upcoming tour setlist? No.. of course not.Given that JP is anti-medley schmedley, no that ain't gonna happen. But quite frankly, I would love it if he did. I love the way that MP found clever ways to juxtapose sections of different songs together and blend them smoothly. Some he did better than others, but in any case I welcome the difference from simply playing something exactly as it is on the album. If I wanted that, I can just listen to the album itself.
The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.
The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.
I wanted to go back to this. Seems a lot of people love The Glass Prison. Hell, I love This Dying Soul, but a lot of people don't. The thing about The 12 Step Suite is that for the most part, they are all mediocre songs. They're all long and as you say, they "took up space" on their respective albums. I would have ZERO desire to sit through all five tracks in a row.
The Glass Prison is fun on a certain level, and it came in at 69. In my mind though it started the trend of DT going heavier and more over the top with each release. The 12 Step Suite was frustrating for me n general. It took up space on five different releases, and was a big contributor to my loss of interest in the band in that period.
I wanted to go back to this. Seems a lot of people love The Glass Prison. Hell, I love This Dying Soul, but a lot of people don't. The thing about The 12 Step Suite is that for the most part, they are all mediocre songs. They're all long and as you say, they "took up space" on their respective albums. I would have ZERO desire to sit through all five tracks in a row.
It was a decent idea for a song or even a suite of songs. But couldn't it have been pulled off in two or three tracks maybe? I don't know, just felt like a huge commitment to do 5 separate pieces. Not sure how much MP had it mapped out to start, but it just felt like it overstayed it's welcome in terms of showing up on every album. I get how big of a deal the subject matter was for MP, and I don't begrudge him writing about something that important and life changing for him. It just wasn't that interesting to me personally.
I was pretty proud of that mix.
It was a decent idea for a song or even a suite of songs. But couldn't it have been pulled off in two or three tracks maybe? I don't know, just felt like a huge commitment to do 5 separate pieces. Not sure how much MP had it mapped out to start, but it just felt like it overstayed it's welcome in terms of showing up on every album. I get how big of a deal the subject matter was for MP, and I don't begrudge him writing about something that important and life changing for him. It just wasn't that interesting to me personally.
My biggest gripe was that, on the whole, they were weak tracks.
I disagree entirely. The first three songs IMO are top DT material. And songs 4 & 5 work better as part of the whole than on their own. I love my 12SS CD, although I haven't listened to it in a long time.
The Mirror (remixed to include the Lie outro) followed by the 5 songs blended with their intended transitions seamlessly. I was pretty proud of that mix.
So your Desert Isle hour of Dream Theater would be...
The Mirror
The Glass Prison
This Dying Soul
The Root Of All Evil
Repentence
The Shattered Fortress
WOW!
And where did each of these songs rank in your DT Top 100?
The way they weaved in The Glass Prison at the end of The Root of All Evil...
8 Home....and I know who didn't have it make their top 100 (hi Jammindude!) :biggrin:
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.
8 Home....and I know who didn't have it make their top 100 (hi Jammindude!) :biggrin:
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.
Must be a real asshole..
Can’t believe someone left Home out of the top 100.
Yeah, gotta be taking the piss. :lol
Flawless in every way imaginable.
We get closer and closer to the top...
6 Breaking All Illusions
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 13
Highest Ranking: 3 (425, DragonAttack)
Even though I had this at 40, I am not surprised it finished this high, as the fanbase as a whole seems pretty nutty over it. This is the highest ranked song from the Mangini era.
5 Voices
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 7
Highest Ranking: 1 (KevShmev)
My number 1 song. Flawless in every way imaginable. This is, IMO, the best Dream Theater song.
-The number 1 song won pretty comfortably
I know this thread is just a small sample size here, but I wouldn't feel confident betting a dime on what #1 is.
I present to you the first two of the top 4...
4 Metropolis Part 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 15
Highest Ranking: 1 (Elite, AnotherDimension)
This still feels, on many levels, like THE definitive Dream Theater song. I had it at 5. It sums up everything that is great about Dream Theater in a little over 9 1/2 minutes.
3 Octavarium
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (geeeemo, Wim Kruithof, BRGM, jammindude)
While I have never considered this one of their absolute best like many do, it is still pretty great. I had it at 33.
I agree with what you say Kev. I have it at #9, and if there was one song to show someone who and what Dream Theater is, I'm playing Metropolis.
Kev, now that we know all the Top 100, I'm curious about some observations that you raised previously:Raise the Knife?
- "There's is 3 songs not from those studio albums that made the Top 100." I remember To Live Forever and now ACOS. What was the third?
The top two!!
2 A Change of Seasons
Appeared on 25 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Revenge319, Dream Team, Vmadera00, ZirconBlue)
This is sometimes a top 10 song for me, sometimes it isn't. I had it at 8 in my initial ranking, but it came in at 15 after doing the rankings engine. I totally get why so many consider this their best song. It is pretty damn awesome.
1 Learning to Live
Appeared on 26 of 26 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 18
Highest Ranking: 1 (425, TAC, Setlist Scotty, erciccio)
I had this at 3, but it ending up at number 1 did not surprise me at all. It is another perfectly written song by the band, and very deserving of the 1 slot here.
My top 20 is better than everybody else’s :biggrin:
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:
And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.
Have a hunch this involves me.
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:
I do, but I will leave it up to that poster to show his face. :biggrin:
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
So...back to trolling? :lol
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
So...back to trolling? :lol
Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)
Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
So...back to trolling? :lol
Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tupAfter seeing this, I was thinking of starting a thread to do Rush. Curious how much interest that would get.
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tupAfter seeing this, I was thinking of starting a thread to do Rush. Curious how much interest that would get.
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
So...back to trolling? :lol
Top 100 Taylor Swift Songs coming to a General Music sub-forum near you. ;-)
Does Taylor Swift even have 100 songs?
Close to 200, actually, at last count.And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tupAfter seeing this, I was thinking of starting a thread to do Rush. Curious how much interest that would get.
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
I was thinking Rush or Maiden would be the next I would do. I'd wanna do one that is popular enough to get 20+ rankers, and I think both of those bands would fit the bill.
So do we know who left off ACoS from their list altogether? :biggrin:
Maybe Cool Chris.And one song in the top 5 did not appear on all 26 lists.
Have a hunch this involves me.
Been on a massive Tool kick lately—that would be my vote for the next band!Just doing some quick counting, I think Tool only has 68 tracks....so a top 50 could be in order!
Doing Rush next would be a great idea!
Maiden and Floyd are about the only other bands I could pull this off with any degree of certainty.
And thanks for the sentiments about this thread, peeps! It was a lot of fun. :tup :tup
Now, I will work on planning what band to do next in General Music... ;)
Regarding future lists of other bands you could do, I'd be interested in participating in one for Haken or Porcupine Tree (although they'd have to be reduced to a Top 50).I'm fairly certain there are enough songs by Porcupine Tree to do a top 100. Haken not so much.
I keep meaning to do writeups on the top six and keep delaying... Here they finally are, in case anyone still cares: